Climbers play important role in strengthening diplomatic relations - Saifuddin

PUTRAJAYA: The Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) climbing team involved in the Malaysia Everest 2022 Mission are ambassadors who will not only bring glory to the country but also strengthen diplomatic relations with other nations, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.

He said climbing, just like other sports, was considered public diplomacy, as it played a role in promoting Malaysia's good image.

"Malaysia already has 19 people who have reached the summit of Everest, and God willing, 10 more will reach there (through this mission)," he told the media after receiving a courtesy call from the climbing team at Wisma Putra here. today.

Upholding the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia, 10 national climbers including a disabled person (OKU) will conquer Mount Everest in the mission beginning April 15.

Apart from Muhammad Hawari Hashim, 31, who is deaf, the team features former national wrestler Rina Jordana Adnan, 42, as well as three VAT 69 Commando personnel, namely Kanang Anak Usin, 42, Pragash Murusgesu, 32 and Mohammad Hanif Che Ahmad, 28.

The other climbers are Azim Afif Ishak, 33; Ayu Wanirah Naharuddin, 29; Ahmad Murshid Maktar, 35; Jack Oh Jin Heng, 37; and Kedah Civil Defence Force (APM) director Lt Col (PA) Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, 54.

The team's mission also received attention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who said that their resilient spirit could be an inspiration to all Malaysian families in facing any challenge.

"May your strong spirit be an inspiration for the entire Keluarga Malaysia. I pray for the success of all of you who will start the mission on April 15. You are the heroes of Keluarga Malaysia," said Ismail Sabri in a post on his Facebook page.

Saifuddin said the Foreign Ministry would provide diplomatic and logistical support to the team upon their arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

-- BERNAMA